Rafael Leao facing some difficulties with the new working methods and Fonseca's style. His trademark smiles are becoming less frequent, and for Milan, it is crucial—if not necessary—to rediscover his best version, as relayed via Calciomercato.com.
While the Scudetto remains a possible, albeit challenging, objective, Milan cannot risk falling out of the top four positions that would guarantee qualification for the next Champions League.
Is it a coincidence that the Portuguese talent's difficult moment coincides with the somewhat negative phase of Hernández?
Certainly not, Leao and Theo are great friends and have shared a symbiotic relationship during these five years at Milan, marked by growth, milestones, setbacks, comebacks, and an unexpected Scudetto.
The future of one, in fact, could influence the other, as a Milan without Hernández would undoubtedly be a less competitive and ambitious Milan. That's why his friend Rafa is closely following the developments regarding the Frenchman's contract renewal.
As per Calcio Mercato, Last summer, there were a few rumours about Leao, but in reality, very little concrete interest emerged. Rafa is not attracted by the huge sums of money that Arab clubs could offer him.
Clearly, Barcelona would have a much greater appeal, but the Blaugrana club never went beyond expressing interest.
The feeling is that the former Lille player needs to elevate his performance on the field to generate market interest in line with his valuation (the release clause) of 150 million euros—whether with or without Theo Hernández.